2016 COL 000 Cartagena
Cartegena, Colombia, and Caribbean Sea
Cartegena, Colombia, looking southeast. Population 971,000 (2016).
The historic center is surrounded by 11 kilometers of defensive walls. These were complemented by fortifications along the coast, making Cartagena a militarily impregnable city.
Inside the walls of the historical city, founded in 1533.
Spanish Colonial architecture predominates.
2016 COL 006 Cartagena
2016 COL 007 Cartagena
A private walking tour with a local architect.
A mortar from the Spanish colonial era.
The Museum of Chocolate in Old Cartagena
The hotel and high-rise district stands on a sandbar a few minutes walk from the historic city. The Caribbean shore is just beyond the buildings.
2016 COL 012 Cartagena
2016 COL 013 Cartagena
2016 COL 014 Cartagena
Many buildings were weathered, but the town was spotlessly clean.
2016 COL 016 Cartagena
A revolving mausoleum.
One of several pieces of sculpture in the Plaza Santa Theresa depicting life in the old city.
2016 COL 019 Cartagena
2016 COL 020 Cartagena
2016 COL 021 Cartagena
Outside the city walls, looking at the Clock Tower Gate (La Torre del Reloj).
More sculpture, channeling Sweeny Todd.
2016 COL 024 Cartagena
Just outside the city walls, this was the historic Customs Wharf. The original customs house is a few dozen feet away.
2016 COL 026 Cartagena
2016 COL 027 Cartagena
2016 COL 028 Cartagena